Rockies top struggling Phillies

Denver, CO – Carlos Gonzalez picked up three hits and Christian Friedrich threw six strong innings as the Rockies beat the Phillies, 6-2, in the opener of a three-game series.

Friedrich (5-6) had picked up a loss in his last five decisions coming into Friday, but held the Phillies to one run on five hits and a walk in six innings en route to the win. He also struck out seven.

"Not only did Christian pitch a very good ball game, but I think we also saw a growth point," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said.

Michael Cuddyer, Jordan Pacheco and Josh Rutledge each stroked a pair of hits as the Rockies won for the third time in four games. Rutledge was making his major league debut and also drove in two runs.

Cliff Lee (1-6), who won his first game in his last start before the All-Star break, took the loss after allowing three runs -- two earned -- on nine hits and a walk in six innings.

"I'm not going to make any excuses," remarked Lee. "I'm just going to go out there and try to give the team a chance to win every time."

Jimmy Rollins picked up two hits and drove in a run as the Phillies lost their fifth straight game and for the 11th time in their last 12.

The Rockies took the lead for good after Tyler Colvin doubled and Pacheco singled to start the sixth. Rutledge followed with a sacrifice fly to right, which also advanced Pacheco to second. Eric Young Jr., pinch hitting for Friedrich, singled to left to drive in Pacheco and give the Rockies a 3-1 lead.

Colorado broke the game open in the seventh when it delivered three straight hits off of Michael Schwimmer to start the frame. Gonzalez doubled, Ramon Hernandez singled and Cuddyer slammed a triple to right-center field. Carlos Ruiz, trying to pick off Cuddyer at third base, threw the ball into left field to score Cuddyer and give the Rockies a 6-1 lead.

The Rockies picked up an unearned run in the second inning to give them an early lead. Hernandez reached on a Chase Utley error, then scored when Cuddyer lined a double over third baseman Placido Polanco's head and into the left- field corner.

The Phillies tied the game in the third when Rollins drove in John Mayberry Jr. with a double down the third-base line.

Rollins started the eighth inning with a leadoff triple then scored on an Utley sacrifice fly to round out the scoring.

Josh Roenicke tossed a perfect ninth to seal the win for Colorado.

Game Notes

The Rockies placed first baseman Todd Helton and catcher Wil Nieves on the 15- day disabled list prior to the game. The team recalled Rutledge and pitcher Mike Ekstrom to take their place on the roster...The Phillies placed pitcher Raul Valdes on the 15-day disabled list prior to the game and recalled pitcher Joe Savery from Triple-A Lehigh Valley...Philadelphia, which went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position Friday, has picked up 12 hits in its last 65 at- bats with RISP...The Phillies have been held to three of fewer runs in 11 of Lee's 15 starts this season...Friedrich leads the Rockies with five wins...Friedrich has 69 strikeouts in his first 13 career starts in 70 2/3 innings...The Rockies went 4-for-10 with runners in scoring position.